TOKYO: Rescue operations are underway in the waters off Japan as authorities search for seven missing US Air Force personnel following a crash of their Osprey during a routine training exercise.
The incident occurred near the island of Yakushima, and one unconscious person, initially found in the sea, was later declared dead by the Japanese coastguard.
The US Air Force Special Operations Command confirmed that eight crew members were aboard the CV-22B Osprey, and the cause of the mishap remains unknown.
Japan’s defence minister has requested the suspension of Osprey flights by US forces in the country in response to the tragic incident. The search, conducted by six patrol ships, two aircraft, police, and local rescuers, continued through the night. Special sonar devices will be employed to scan the sea floor in the ongoing efforts to locate the missing personnel.
The Osprey, known for its tilt-rotor design allowing it to operate as both a helicopter and a fixed-wing plane, has been involved in a series of fatal crashes. In August, a crash in northern Australia resulted in the death of three US marines among the 23 on board. The aircraft has faced scrutiny and temporary grounding in the past, with incidents in Norway, Okinawa, and Australia raising safety concerns.
Defence Minister Minoru Kihara has called for the suspension of Osprey flights until safety is confirmed, except for search and rescue operations. The US military, with around 54,000 personnel in Japan, has yet to comment on the suspension request. The Japanese government emphasizes the need for swift disclosure of information surrounding the accident.
Witnesses described seeing the Osprey rotate in the air before crashing into the ocean, causing concern about potential disasters if the aircraft had collided with a ship or approached the island. The incident adds to the history of Osprey-related accidents, prompting renewed attention to the safety of these military aircraft.
